Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Departure for the Spirit Hunting Forest
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As the crystal ball radiated light, it was clear that Wang Li's spirit power had definitely reached level ten.
This realization left everyone in shock—Wang Li was only a first-year student. Just a first-year…
But on second thought, they remembered that this first-year class also had Tang San and Xiao Wu, two innate full-spirit power students who had already become spirit masters with one ring. With that, they found it easier to accept, even feeling a bit numb to the surprise.
The only one still bewildered was Wang Sheng, who shared a dormitory with Wang Li. How had Wang Li suddenly reached level ten spirit power without even a hint of warning?
A broad smile broke across Director Su's face. Having yet another first-year student with the potential to become a spirit master with a spirit ring was a great achievement for the academy. Still, he couldn't help but ask, "Wang Li, when did you reach level ten spirit power?"
Retracting his hand, Wang Li responded to Director Su's question with a good-natured smile, though he was less than truthful:
"It was just recently. Maybe because my martial soul is a mutated martial soul, so my cultivation speed was unusually fast."
Director Su nodded. Wang Li had been training right under their noses, and achieving level ten spirit power was undoubtedly due to his own efforts.
The teacher in charge of recording added Wang Li's name to the list of those who had passed the assessment. This meant that Wang Li would now accompany the sixth-year students on a trip to the Spirit Hunting Forest to hunt spirit beasts.
Director Su then raised his voice and announced, "Unfortunately, even counting Wang Li from the first year, we only have thirteen students who have reached level ten spirit power. Those who have not achieved level ten should inform your parents to come to the academy within the next two months to complete the withdrawal process."
"As for those who have reached level ten, if your parents believe they can help you hunt for a spirit beast, the academy will not prevent them from doing so."
"If not, and you wish to hunt under the guidance of your instructors, you will need to follow the academy's arrangements. After class today, prepare your supplies—bring plenty of dry food and fresh water. If possible, it would be wise to carry armor and weapons."
"Even though the Spirit Hunting Forest is a controlled area, the spirit beasts within it are still quite ferocious. I'm sure your teachers have mentioned this in class, so I won't go over it again."
"In two days, we will set out. This is an essential step on the path to becoming a spirit master, so do not take it lightly."
With his words, the atmosphere in the classroom shifted—some students were thrilled, while others were filled with dread. Those who had achieved level ten spirit power were naturally delighted, while those who hadn't were worried.
After class, Wang Sheng dashed up to Wang Li, throwing an arm around his shoulder with a mix of envy and exasperation. He muttered, "How did your Blue Silver Grass martial soul train so quickly? It hasn't even been that long, and you're already at level ten!"
Wang Li chuckled lightly and replied, "My Blue Silver Grass is mutated. Unlike ordinary Blue Silver Grass, it's bound to be different—maybe it just trains faster."
Hearing this explanation only made Wang Sheng more frustrated. As his roommate, he was happy that Wang Li was progressing quickly, but the fact that Wang Li's progress outpaced his own left him speechless with envy.
In eight months, Wang Sheng had managed to advance from level nine to level ten spirit power, but Wang Li had gone from level three to level ten. It was simply unheard of.
In the end, he could only console himself by thinking, Blue Silver Grass is still Blue Silver Grass. No matter how it mutates, it's known as a weak martial soul. Once I get my spirit ring, my Battle Tiger martial soul will definitely surpass Wang Li's Blue Silver Grass.
With other grades still in class and no food ready in the dining hall, Wang Li and Wang Sheng first returned to their dormitory. Wang Li pulled out his coin pouch and said, "I want to go outside the academy to buy some of the items the teacher mentioned. Are you coming?"
Hearing this, Wang Sheng nodded decisively. Now was not the time to be stingy. Successfully hunting a spirit beast and obtaining a spirit ring would officially make him a spirit master. He replied at once, "I'm in. Wait for me." Wang Sheng retrieved his own coin pouch. His family wasn't wealthy, but his parents had given him some savings before he left, knowing it would be needed for this very moment.
The two left the school gates together, heading straight to the blacksmith's shop. With limited time, they couldn't wait for custom-made weapons, so they went directly to browse the ready-made ones.
Long spears and greatswords were out of the question—not only were they hard to handle, but they were also far too expensive.
They could only consider short daggers, which would be practical for self-defense and hunting spirit beasts in the Spirit Hunting Forest.
At this moment, a burly middle-aged man wearing a leather apron approached them. Seeing Wang Li and Wang Sheng dressed in their Notting Academy uniforms, his eyes filled with admiration as he greeted them enthusiastically:
"Young brothers looking for daggers? These are top-quality pieces, crafted with care. In fact, these daggers were actually made by a student from your own Notting Academy."
"Though he's young, he swings a hammer like a true blacksmith. His name is Tang San—you may know him."
Wang Sheng responded loudly, "We know him well! He's our dormmate!"
A glint flashed in Wang Li's eyes. Tang San's personality aside, his craftsmanship was undeniably impressive. He spoke up, "Boss, we're buying weapons to hunt spirit beasts in the Spirit Hunting Forest. The weapons need to be flawless. Pick out two excellent daggers for us and give us a fair price, and we'll buy them here."
The burly man's expression grew respectful at the mention of spirit hunting. Not wanting to risk his shop's reputation, and seeing that they were familiar with Tang San, he carefully selected two short-sword-style daggers. Handing them over, he said, "These two are the best of the best. Normally, each would sell for at least twelve silver spirit coins. But since you really need them, I'll let you have each for just seven silver spirit coins."
Wang Li took the short sword and felt its solid weight, confirming the man's words.
"Very good. We'll take them."
Wang Sheng also liked his choice, though he winced at the price. However, weighing the importance of his life over his money, he clenched his teeth and paid.
After securing their weapons, they decided against buying armor. They couldn't afford anything truly useful, and they had no interest in low-quality gear.
Additionally, they each bought a water pouch that could hold three pounds of water, and some dried meat, which would stave off hunger and provide extra energy.
They didn't buy other dry provisions, deciding to prepare those closer to their departure.
Two days later, fully prepared and energized, Wang Li joined the other twelve sixth-year students at the designated gathering spot on the training grounds.
Soon, all the leading instructors arrived, including Headmaster Zhang Wei, Director Su Mo, and six additional teachers, making a total of eight.
Zhang Wei, slightly portly from his comfortable lifestyle, was nonetheless the strongest in the group, possessing the power of a Four-Ring Spirit Ancestor. He bellowed:
"Let's move out—to the Spirit Hunting Forest!"
(End of Chapter)